Amanda Bishop
NCR Editor & Publisher
Inspired by his grandmother’s 50-year career as a teacher, Mark Harrison became an educator because of his desire to help others.
“She really was my anchor growing up,” Harrison said during a visit to Callahan Intermediate School Thursday afternoon.
The 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year has traveled to about 30 of the state’s school districts since receiving his award in July. During the tours, he learns what education techniques work within each district. Harrison teaches in Union County and was impressed during his visit to CIS.
Principal Kerri Boatright explained that CIS educators utilize collaborative learning with teams. Fourth and fifth grade students have two teachers, spending part of the day with each for their core subjects. The classrooms in each grade level stay on the same learning path.
“We want every single kid, no matter who their teacher is, to receive that same level of instruction,” Boatright said.
Teacher Alexis Neu reminded her fourth-grade students that the denominator stays the same as she taught them about fractions and whole numbers during the visit.
Harrison sat among the students, working alongside them as Neu taught.
“I love the way you broke it up into steps,” Harrison said. “Doing the steps really made me feel comfortable.”
Walking through current Nassau County Teacher of the Year Kayla Hooper’s fourth-grade class, the students were quick to congratulate Harrison on his state title. He told the students, “I’m here today to celebrate you” for CIS’ ability to earn an “A” with the Florida Department of Education for numerous years in a row and consistently perform well.
“We’re getting to see the behind-the-scenes of how you are doing so amazing,” Harrison said.
He demonstrated how he pulls his students back in if they get off task. He says, “Stop.” The students answer, “Collaborate and listen,” paying homage to Vanilla Ice’s 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby.”
Another method he uses is more popular among the CIS crowd.
“If I said ‘four-five,’ what would you say?” Harrison asked.
“Six-seven,” the students shouted while gesturing with their hands.
“Man, that ate,” Harrison replied amid groans.
Students in Shaun Bennett’s music class were learning to create rhythmic beats on hand drums. When they lined up to leave, Harrison went through and gave them fist bumps.
“I’m kind of famous for my fist-bumping,” he said, explaining that when he was a new teacher 21 years ago, he was constantly getting sick and finally learned to stop touching hands with students. Now they receive his genuine smile and a fist bump.
CIS Beta Club members held a question and answer session with Harrison. One student asked what motivates him.
“I love to serve other people and that gets me up every day,” Harrison said.
Another student asked if Harrison has advice for those considering a teaching career.
“Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons,” he said. “Your heart has to be in it.”
He recalled how his grandmother received countless hugs in the grocery store and was always quick to note who she taught when they did something noteworthy, such as be elected sheriff.
“She’d pull out the newspaper and say, ‘I taught him in first grade,’” he said.
Now 105 years old, his grandmother was born the same year women received the right to vote. She taught in the same town for nearly half her life, helping countless students fulfill their personal purpose.
“My grandmother taught first grade for 50 years,” Harrison said.
He recalled her taking a phone call during a homework session soon after she retired. When she came back, he learned that she had missed the dedication of a gazebo placed in honor of her career.
“She cared so much about me that she forgot her own dedication,” Harrison recalled with a smile of adoration on his face.
Now he also encourages his students to pursue their purpose and reach for their dreams.
He’s taught students from third grade through adult education, all within Union County.
“I’ve liked all my grade levels,” Harrison said.
He noted that he was blessed to have a few students as many as four years. He taught high school seniors American history and economics last school year, some of which he also taught when they were in third and fourth grade.
“A lot of teachers get a chapter in a student’s life. I got a trilogy,” Harrison said. He added that a few students were also his as juniors, giving them four years together.
A pause came when another Beta Club member asked what is the hardest part of teaching.
“Sometimes people won’t let you help them,” Harrison said after a moment. “You might have a student who won’t let you help them, but I still plant a seed.”
He explained that he lets the student know he remains available when the student is ready to reach out and seek help.
The state teacher of the year leaves the classroom for a year to represent Florida and learn about education processes. He also attends various training sessions and seminars.
Harrison’s reign as TOY ends June 30, after which he plans to utilize funding he received to further his personal education via Florida State University. He is a University of Florida alumnus for undergrad and plans to acquire his master’s degree, likely in leadership, though he is also drawn to social sciences.
“It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Harrison said, adding that he does miss being in the classroom and especially misses driving his bus route. Union County has just three schools, all situated next to each other, and many of the teachers also drive a route.
“That was kind of hard for me this year, not driving that bus and seeing those kids,” said Harrison, who drives bus number 15.
He enjoyed interacting with the CIS students, even assisting in a science experiment in teacher David Harris’ fifth grade classroom. He also visited the classroom of third grade teacher Crystal Jefferson as students learned about area and perimeter.
His visit culminated with a performance by the Warrior Steel Band. Then Harrison assisted in loading students into vehicles in the parent pickup line.
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